Vatican City, Apr 20, 2010 / 04:23 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Benedict will visit the city of Turin, Italy early next month to venerate the Shroud at its first exposition to the public since 2000. This morning, the Vatican issued the Holy Father's itinerary which includes Mass, visits with the sick and the youth as well as time for veneration of the burial cloth.

The Pope is one of 1.5 million people who are expected to visit the ancient relic, which is on display to the public between April 10 and May 23.

On May 2, the Holy Father will depart from Rome by plane, arriving at the Turin airport around 9:15 a.m. He will then greet the local faithful, concelebrate Mass and pray the Regina Coeli at Piazza San Carlo.

That afternoon, the Pontiff will have lunch with the local bishops before returning to Piazza San Carlo at 4:30 p.m. to meet with young people. Then, at 5:30 p.m., he will venerate the Shroud at the Cathedral of St. John.

Following his visit to the famous Shroud, the Pope will visit the Church of the Little House of Divine Providence – Cottolengo, where he will meet with the sick.

Pope Benedict will depart from Turin at 7:30 p.m. and return to the Vatican.